Dell R610 Backplane SAS Cable.

[Rendermandan]

I am trying to setup a "Backup" to my main TrueNAS scale server using a Dell R610 I got for FREE! from my office.
My plan is to install an LSI 9211-8i IT Mode HBA card to replace the Perc 6/i card it comes with.
I want to run a single SAS cable to the backplane and the other SAS cable to an External port adapter that will then connect to a Dell MD1200. This will allow me to use 3.5" drives and future expansion. (I know I need different cables than what's stock due to the connectors.)

So, my question is, are both SAS cables needed for the R610 back plane? Or can I only connect one SAS Cable and still have access to all 6, 2.5" drives?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ericloewe]

It is extremely likely that you do not have an expander backplane, since you only have six bays, and thus need both cables.